Power transmission chain



Feb; 23, 1954 H. s. PIERCE POWER TRANSMISSION CHAIN lO Sheets-Sheet l Filed July 6 l N VE N TOR #ifa/ald.' 101291160 f x. u x w mw QM Nv an ma ATTORNEY Feb. 23, 1954 H. s. PIERCE 2,669,879

POWER TRANSMISSION CHAIN Filed July 6, 1951 lO Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR A ORNEY Feb. 23, 1954 H. s. PIERCE POWER TRANSMISSION CHAIN 10 Sheets-Sheet I5 Filed July 6 Feb. 23, 1954 H- s MERCE 2,669,879

POWER TRANSMISSION CHAIN Filed July 6, 1951 lO Sheets-Sheet 4 INVENTOR .5f

Y-f-DW ATTORNEY .53

Feb. 23, 1954 H. s. PIERCE POWER TRANSMISSION CHAIN 1o sheets-sheet 5 Filed July 6, 1951 INVENTOR 23, 1954 H 5 PIERCE 2,669,879

POWER TRANSMISSION CHAIN Filed July 6, 1951 10 Sheets-Sheet 6 Feb. 23, 1954 H. S. PIERCE POWER TRANSMISSION CHAIN 10 Sheets-Sheet 7 Filed July 6, 1951 INVENTOR /Ymwldll'eae wfmw ATT NEY Feb. 23, 1954 H. s.V PIERCE 2,669,879

POWER TRANSMISSION CHAIN Filed July 6, 1951 10 Sheets-Sheet 8 Feb. 23, 1954 H. s. PIERCE POWER TRANSMISSION CHAIN 10 Sheets-Sheet 9 mmie e BY@ q) WWE/w ATTORNEY Filed July 6, 1951 Feb. 23, 1954 H, s. PIERCE 2,669,879 POWER TRANSMISSION CHAIN Filed July 6, 1951 lO Sheets-Sheet lO INVENTOR Patented Feb. 23, 1954 POWER TRANSMISSION CHAIN Harold S. Pierce, Indianapolis, Ind., assgnor to Link-Belt Company, a corporation of Illinois Application July 6, 1951, Serial N 0. 235,420

18 Claims.

This invention relates to new and useful improvements in power transmission chains and deals more particularly with the joint construction of chains of the silent type.

It is the conventional practice in the manufacture of silent chains to incorporate a plurality of links in each pitch of the chain with the links being spaced laterally across the width of the pitch and the associated end portions of the links of adjacent pitches being overlapped in intermeshing relationship. In general, the most satisfactory type of joint construction for the overlapped end portions of adjacent pitches consists of a chain pin and one or two liners. The pin and liner, or liners, are inserted in the alined apertures formed in the overlapped end portions of the links of adjacent pitches with each liner positioned between the pin and the aperture surfaces of the links of one of the pitches to provide a bearing surface for the articulation of those links about the axis of the pin.

The above described conventional joint construction offers several advantages over other types of joints among the more important of which is the provision of an unbroken bearing surface of ample area across the width of the chain to insure long wear-life and so that the load on each pitch of the chain will be uniformly distributed thereacross. Each joint is open to lubrication across the width of the chain and the center of articulation for all links is retained throughout the life of the chain.

The above mentioned advantages, and particularly the last one,A are dependent upon the func` tioning of the liners as a part of the links of the pitch with which they are directly associated. In other words, any relative movement between a joint liner and its associated links will cause wear in the joint with the result that the centers of articulation between pitches will shift during operation of the chain.

Various locking means have been employed in the past to prevent relative movement between the liners and the associated links to which they are intended to be immovably secured but in every instance the lockingmeans have failed in some respect to accomplish the desired result. One of the more successful types of these conventional joints provides lugs which are integral with the links and projects into the joint apertures for engagement with the edges of the liners to lock the liners against movement relative to the links. The disadvantages experienced with this type of joint construction are that if,`4 due to normal'` manufacturing tolerances, even a slightangular movement is permitted between a liner and the links to which it is intended to be locked, the shifting of the liner relative to its links, as the joint articulates, will produce wear that eventually will destroy the eiciency of the chain; the permissible area of pin contact that can be provided by the liner is limited by the presence of the locking lugs; and the free flow of lubricant across the width of the chain is obstructed by the locking lugs.

It is the primary object of this invention to provide silent chains which have theiradjacent pitches connected for articulation by joint parts that are constructed so as to substantially reduce the type of joint wear which causes elongation of the chains to thereby increase the useful life of the chains.

A further important object of the invention is to provide joint parts for silent drive chains with at least one of the parts of each joint having a bearing surface for engaging links of one'of the connected pitches in such a manner as to prevent relative movement between the engaging surfaces and to provide a maximum load bearing area.

Another important object of the invention is to provide joint structures for silent drive chains which will permit the free and unobstructed ilow of lubricant across the entire width of the joint and which will provide a maximum area of contact between relatively moving parts.

Other objects and advantages of the invention Will be apparent during the course of the following description.

In the accompanying drawings forming a part of this specification and in which like numerals are employed to designate like parts throughout the same,

Figure 1 is a side elevational view, with certain parts in section, of a length of silent drive chain and sprocket embodying the invention,

Figure 2 is a partly plan and partly sectional view taken on line 2-2 of Fig.

Figure 3 is an exploded view of adjacent links and a portion of one of the chain joints illus-` trated in Fig. 1,

Figure 4 is an enlarged side elevational view showing a joint of the chain illustrated in Fig. l with the adjacent pitches of links arranged in a straight-line position,

Figure 5 is a similar View to Fig. t but illustrates the relationship of the joint elements when the adjacent pitches of links are articulated out of a straight-line position,

Figure 6 is a side elevational view, partly broken away, of a duplex type of silent drive chain and sprockets embodying a modification of the invention,

Figure 1 is a transverse sectional view taken on line 1-1 of Fig. 6,

Figure 8 is an exploded view of adjacent links and a portion of one of the chain joints illustrated in Fig. 6,

Figure 9 is an exploded view of a joint pin and its liners 'of the rchain illustrated in Fig. 6,

Figure l is an enlarged side elevational view showing a joint of the chain illustrating in Fig. 6 with the adjacent pitches of links arranged in a straight-line position,

Figure 11 is a similar View to Fig. 10 but illustrates the relationship of the joint elements when the adjacent pitches of links are articulated out of a straight-line position in one direcion,

Figure 12 is a similar view to Fig. l0 but illustrates the relationship of the joint elements when the adjacent pitches of links are articulated in the opposite direction from that illustrated in Fig. 1l.

Figure 13 is a side elevational view of a length kof silent drive chain and sprocket showing in cross-section certain of the chain joints embodying a 'further modification of the invention,

Figure 14 is a partly plan and partly sectional view of the chain illustrated in Fig. 13,

Figure 15 is an exploded view of adjacent links and a portion of one 'oi the chain joints illustrated. in Fig. 13,

Figure 16 is an enlarged 'side elevational view showing a joint of the chain illustrated `in Fig.

13, with the adjacent pitches of links arranged in a straight-line position,

Figure 17 is a similar view to Fig. 16 but illustrates the relationship of the joint elements when the adjacent pitches of links are articulated out of a straight-line position,

Figure 18 is a side elevational view of a length of silent drive chain and sprocket showing in cross-section certain ofthe chain joints embodying a still further modication of the invention,

Figure 19 is a partly plan and partly sectional view of the chain illustrated in Fig. 18,

Figure 20 is an exploded View of adjacent links and a portion of one of the chain joints illustrated in Fig.` 18,

Figure 21 is an enlarged side elevational View showing a joint of the chain illustrated in Fig. 18 with the adjacent pitches of links arranged in a straight-line position,

Figure 22 is a similar view to Fig. 21 but illus trates the relationship of the joint elements when the adjacent pitches of links are articulated rout of a straight-line position,

Figure 23 is a side elevational View of a length of silent drive chain and sprocket showing in cross-section certain of the chain joints embodying still another modification of the invention,

Figure 24 is a partly plan and partly sectional view of the chain illustrated in Fig. 23,

Figure 25 is an exploded view of adjacent links and a portion of one of the chain joints illustrated vin Fig. 23,

Figure 26 is an enlarged side elevational view showing a joint of the chain illustrated in Fig. 23 with the adjacent pitches of links arranged in a straight-line position, and

Figure 27 is a similar view to Fig. 26 but illustrates the relationship of the joint elements when the adjacent pitches of links are articulated out of va straight-line position.

In the drawings, wherein for the purpose of 4 illustration are shown the preferred embodiments of this invention, and rst particularly referring to Figs. 1 to 5, inclusive, there is illustrated a length of silent drive chain 23 that includes the alternate pitches A and B, each one of which is made up of a suitable number of drive links 29. Each one of these drive links 29 is of arched form for providing a back part 30 and two spaced standing parts 3| that are shaped to provide drive teeth. The standing parts 3l of the links of adjacent pitches A and B are .arranged in overlapped relationship with the links of each pitch alternating with the links of the adjacent pitches transversely of the chain 23. 1t is to be understood that the number and arrangement of links 23 in adjacent pitches A and B may be varied in the conventional manner to meet the requirements of particular installations.

Formed in the two standing or tooth shaped parts y3l of each link 29 are pitch holes 32 which are transversely alined in the adjacent pitches of links to receive a pair of joint liners 33 and `a pin 34 which connect the adjacent pitches A and B for articulating movement when the chain passes around a sprocket 35 having teeth 35 :for

engaging the standing parts 3l oi the links.

Referring now to Figs. 4 and 5 for a 'detail description of the pitch holes 32, liners 33 :and pin 34, and the manner in which they cooperate to form a joint between one pair of adjacent pitches A `and B, Fig. 4 illustrates the adjacent pitches arranged in a straight-line position or with the line vof centers between the axes of articulation yof the adjacent pitches forming a straight line.

Each of the vpitch holes 32 of all of the links is so formed 'as to vprovide a bearing surface 31 on the side of the pitch hole adjacent the nearest end of its link 23. The middle portion of the bearing surface 31 is normal to the line of centers of the link in which it is formed to provide a load carrying land 39. The depth ci this land 39 is substantially equal to the diameter of the pin 34. Spaced circumferentially of the ends of the load carrying land 39 the bearing surface 31 is provided with flat wedging portions 40 and 4|, respectively, which lie at obtuse angles with the land 39. Arcuate surfaces 42 extend between and connect the ends of the land 39 and the adjacent ends of the wedging surfaces 43 and 4l.

On the side `of the pitch hole opposite to the bearing surface 31, an arcuate surface 43 is formed at a radius slightly greater than the radius of the arcuate surfaces 42. That portion of the arcuate surface 43 which lies above the line of centers of the link in which it is formed is longer than the portion which lies below the line of centers, as illustrated in Figs. 4 and 5. The wedging surface 40 is of suflicient length to provide an articulation control portion 40a. which connects with the arcuate surface 43 at the upper end of the latter. The adjacent ends of the arcuate surface 43 and the wedgin'g surface 4i are connected by lan articulation control surface 44 which converges toward the line of centers from the wedging vsurface 4i.

The bearing surfaces 31 of the alined pitch holes 32 in the links yoi adjacent pitches A 'and B lie on opposite sides of the pin 34 which is positioned in the said pitch holes. Two liners 33 are positioned in and extend entirely through the alined pitch holes of a joint and are arranged on opposite sides of the pin 34, or between the pin and the bearing surfaces 31 of the linksv of the ,pitches A and oi' each liner "33 conforms in shape with the rop- B. The inner surface '33a posed peripheral surface of the pin 34 for bearing engagement therewith.

The outer surfaces of the liners 33 are formed with centrally located load carrying lands 45 for engagement with the load carrying lands 39 of the pitch holes 32. Wedging surfaces 46 and 41 are spaced circumferentially of the ends of the land d5 for engagement with the wedging surfaces 43 and 4|, respectively, of the pitch holes 32. The wedging surfaces 46 and 41 are arranged at the same obtuse angles with respect to their associated land 45 as the angles between the wedging surfaces 4i) and 4| and their associated land 33. Arcuate surfaces 4B extend between and connect the edges ofthe land 43 and the adjacent edges of the wedging surfaces 4S and 4T.

The distance between the wedging surfaces 46 and 4l of the liners 33 is, however, slightly greater than the distance between the wedging surfaces di) and 4| of the pitch holes 32. Initial Contact between the wedging surfaces 4D and 4t and between the wedging surfaces 4| and 4l will, therefore, prevent engagement between the load carrying lands 33 and 45. When the chain is placed under a substantial load, however, the load carrying lands 39 and 45 will be moved into engagement and the relative movement between the wedging surfaces of the liners 33 and pitch holes 32 will wedge each of the liners into a fixed position relative to the links 23 of its associated pitch.

The edges of the inner surface 33a of each liner 33 are joined to the edges of the'wedging surfaces lit and il by radial surfaces 43 and the circumferential dimensions of the liners 33 are such that when the liners are positioned on opposite sides of the pin 34, the radial surfaces i3 of each liner are spaced from the opposed radial surfaces of the other liner. This spacing between opposed radial surfaces 49 permits movement of the liners 33 in opposite circumferential directions relative to the pin 34 for a distance suflcient to permit the necessary articulation between adjacent pitches A and B of the chain.

Considering now the functions and relationships of the various joint parts, it has been previously pointed out that the placing of a substantial load on the chain 28 will cause each of the liners 33 to be compressed between the bearing surfaces 3l' of the pitch holes 32 and the chain pin 34|. This effects a wedging engagement between the wedging surfaces lill and 46 and between the wedging surfaces 4| land 4l and moves the load carrying land 45 of each liner into engagement with the load carrying lands 3Q of the pitch holes 32 in the links of the associated pitch. A major portion of the chain load is, therefore, carried by the engagement of the load carrying lands 39 and 45. The wedging action of the surfaces 4t and 46 and the surfaces 4| and 41 substantially prevents any looseness or wear between the liners 33 and links 29 with which they are associated.

As illustrated in Fig. 4, Vwhen the adjacent pitches A and B are in a straight line position, the wedging surface 4l of the liner 33 associated with one pitch of the chain is in contact with the articulation control surfaces 44 of the links of the other pitch of the chain. This contact prevents back-bending lof the joints of the chain 2B. It also will be noted that the arcuate surfaces 43 of the liners 33 normally are spaced from the arcuatesurfaces 43 of the pitch holes 32 .to permit-.angular movement of the liners 33 faces or portions without frictional engagement between surfaces. When the chain is unloaded, however,.engage ment Vbetween the arcuate surfaces 48 of the liners 33 and the arcuate surfaces 43 of the pitch holes 32 will prevent undue play or looseness between the connected pitches A and B.

Referring now to Fig. 5 for a description of the relative action between joint parts when adjacent pitches of the chain are articulated, it will be noted that relative rotary movement of the pitches A and B about the axis of the pin 34 will effect relative rotary movement of the liners 33 about the axis of the pin. This movement will substantially reduce the clearance betweenth'e opposed radial surfacesv 49 :at the top of the pin and will 'move the wedging surface d6 of each liner' into engagement with the articulation control surface portions 43a of the pitch holes 32 in the'links of the other pitch. The articulation control surfaces 4ta, therefore, limit theextent to which the connected pitches A and B may be articulated in one direction.

Figs. 6 to l2, inclusive, illustrate a modification of the invention adapted for use in connection with silent chains of the duplex type in which both faces of the'chain engage sprockets. Referring first to Figs. 6 and 7, alternate pitches C and D of the'chain 5G are each formed of a plurality of identical links 5| having back parts di and standing or tooth shaped portions 53 at their opposite ends. The links 5| of adjacent pitches C and D have their end portions overlapped and arranged in groups of four with each group being formed of two links for each pitch and with the alternate groups transversely of the chain having their tooth shaped portions 53 arranged on opposite faces of the chain.

The chain till is adapted to be trained over a driven sprocket 54 and a driving sprocket 55, as illustrated, so that the chain joints must be able to articulate in both directions from a straight-line position of the chain. The sprocket 54 is provided with axially spaced, circumferential rows of teeth 56 for engaging alternate groups of links havingl their standing portions on one face of the chain and the sprocket 55 is provided with axially spaced, circumferential rows of teeth 51 for engaging the remaining groups of links having their standing portions 53 on the opposite face of the chain. Spacing rings 53 are positioned between the adjacent groups of fourv links to provide clearance for the teeth 56 and 5'! engaging the standing portions 53 of the links.

Referring new to l0 to l2, inclusive, it will be noted that the liners 33 and pin 34 which form the joint between adjacent pitches: C and D are identical to those illustrated in Figs. l to 5, inclusive, while the shape of the pitch holes 32 is changed to provide articulation control surfia. which are continuations of their associated we i surfaces 4|. This change produces an ino se in the length of the arcuate surface in each pitch hole 32. Otherwise, the same reference characters have been applied to the remaining identical parts of the structure. Y

It will be noted that the changed location of the articulation controi surfaces 4|a provides clearance for movement of the associated. liners 33 to permit articulation between adjacent pitches C and Din both directions from the straightline position of the chain 45. In other Words, when the chain is in its straight-line position, as illustrated in Fig. l0, neither of .thewedging .surfaces 5 .and with respect to the VDitch of the chain., This Similis 41 ci the liner .8.3 .that :is laced of one pitch lof the' cham is in contact with the articulation control sur- .faces ma and 4ta of the links of the adjacent clearance between -vthe wedging surfaces 4B and 41 and the' :articulation `control surfaces 4:95a and Mia, respectively. permits articulation of the adjacent pitches in n013ilposits .directions from the lrstraight-line position of the chain as illustrated in figs. l1 and 12. It, also, ywill be noted that the spacing heim-een vopposed radial surfaces 49. `@of the liners 33 :permits movement of the .liners lB3 in opposite cir- .cumferential directions relative to the pin 34 for .a distance `sufiicient to permit the necessary articulation between adjacentpitches C and D .of the chain in either direction from its straightline position.V

Figs. 13 to i7, inclusive, :illustrate a still further modication of the vinve l tion. ,Inthis form, the length of silent drive Ichain @6i includes alternate pitches E and F each one of which is Amade up of ,a suitable .number of drive links 62 and 63, respectively. The links .G2 and t3 l.are of arched 4form for providing back parts ed .and two .spaced standing parts .615 that are shaped to provide drive teeth von lone vface of `the cha-in. The standing parts of the links 62 of veach pitch .E vare arranged in overlapped relationship Ywith the `standing parts .of the links G3 of and the overlapped lend portions are alternated transversely of the chain di.

Each -one of the :links V-62 vis `.provided with a pitch hole 61.6 through :each of its standing parte 185 -`while each one .of the links-63 lisprovided with .a pitch hole '.61 .through each `cf its standing parts. The pitch holes .66 land 61 :are transversely alined for adjacent pitches to receive a `chain pin 8 and a jc-int liner $3 which .connect the adjacent `pitchesfor articula-ting movement when the Achain passes .around .a sprocket 10 having teeth 1I for engaging the standing parts 55 of .the

By inspecting Fig-s. 13 to l5, inclusive, it will he seen that .each-chain joint is crc-vided with only one liner 8 and .that both of the pitch holes 5 of the vlinks 62 xare yso shaped that the single liners are fixed .against angular movement .rela- .tive to these links. The vpitch holes 161 `of the links 63 howeverJ vare so shaped Ithat articulation may occur between these linke Yand the single liners. vThis type `of structure,- therefore, causes the vlinks 2&2 to hear 'on the .pins through the liners of both of its joints while the linksfbear .directly on the pins. This .type of single liner joint is not 1oasically new in the art and, for 'that reason, its mode of operation .and advantages need not be specifically recited other thanr the direct bearing they have on the present invention.

Referring now to Figs. 16 and lfora detail description of the valined -pitch holes 66 and '61 liner yte? and pin lE58 and the manner in which they cooperateto form a joint between the links of one pair vof adjacent pitches .Eend F, Fig. ,16 illustrates the pitches arranged in .a straight line position. Each of the pitch holes SS 'the links 62 is formed to provide aflbearing surface 1.2 on the side of the pitch hole `adjacent the nearest .end of its link 62. The'middle -portion of :eachbearing surface'12 is normalrto the line of centers of the linkin which 'it isfformed t0. provide a load carrying land l13. The ldepth `of thisload carrying land 13 is substantially equal to the diameter Vof the pin 6.8.

the adjacent pitch F spaced circuiti--v ferentially of they ends of the `load :carrying land 13, the bearing surface' 12 is provided 'with flat wedsing portions 14 and 15 lwhich lie at obtuse .anales withthe land .13. Arlcuate surfaces 16 extend between and connect the ends of the land 13 and the adjacent .ends Aof the wedging surfaces 14 and 15.

On the side .of the 4pitch hole 6B yopposite to the bearing surface 1.2, an arcuate surface 11 is formed at a radi-us slightly greater than the radius of the pin 168,. The ends of the .arcuate surface 11 :are connected to the adjacent ends of the wedging surfaces 14 and 1.5, respectively, by rounded ysurfaces 18 extending .substantially :radially .outwardly .from the ends of the arcuate surface.

Each of the pitch holes B1 in the .links (i3 is `formed to ...provide a bearing surface 19 on the side of the pitch hole .adjacent the nearest end (of .its link 63.. The bearing Surface 19 is arcuate in Aform and has a radius equal to that of the pin 18. The length of the bearing surface 19 less 'than one-half of the diameter of the pin 88 andthe hearing surface is centered on the line of centers of its link t3.

On .the side .of each pitch hole G1 opposite to .the hearing surface '59, an .arcuate surface Si) is .formed at a radius slightly greater than the radius of vthe arcuate surfaces 'it of the pitch hole te. Two iiatfarticizdation control `surfaces 3l and 182 extend, respectively, from the ends of the arcuate surface ifi to points radially outwardly of the .ends-.of the arcuate bearing surface 1 9. Radial surfaces 83 .extend het-Ween vand connect the .ends of the bearing surface 1e and the adjacent ends ci' 4the articulation control surfaces 8l and w82.

The hearing surfaces 12 and 19 of the alined pitch holes .8.6 and :653, respectively, in the links of adjacent pitches E and F lie on opposite sides of the pin 63 which is positioned inthe said A:pitch holes. The pin .EB is .adjacent to and in yhearing Contact .with the hearing surfaces 19 and is spaced from the bearing surfaces 12. vA liner 69 is positioned in and extends entirely through the ,alined .pitch gholes of a joint and is arranged between ythe pin and the bearing surfaces 12 of zthe links e2 of the pitch E. The inner surface fificf each liner t9 `conforms in shape with theoppo-sed peripheral surface vof the pin 68 for hearing engagement therewith.

The outer stufa-ce of theliner G9 is formed with a centrally located lload carrying land ySli for engagement with the load carrying lands 13 ofthe pitch holes '.65 in the links :62 of the pitch E. Wedging surfaces S5 and 81 are spaced circumferentially of theends-Of the lland 85 for engagement with the wedging surfaces .14 and 15, ,respectively, of the pitch holes t6. The ywedging surfaces 86 and 81 are arranged at the same obtuse `angles with respect to their associated land .85 as the angles between the wedging sur faces 14 and 15 and their .associated land 13. Arcuate surfaces 88 4extend between and connect the edges of the land t5 andthe .adjacent edges offthe'wedgingsurfaces 8S.v and. 81.

The relationship and function of theouter surface of the liner 69 and the hearing surfaces 19 of the pitch :holes `61 are identical .to those of anyone .of the liners r33 and .pitch holes 32 of the vmodification `of the invention illustrated yin Figs. .l1to5, inclusive, and will not be described again. The edges of the inner surface 84 of the liner .are vjoined to the edges Vof the Wedging rsurfacesy 86 and 8:1 by `radial surfaces .89. With the exception that these radial surfaces 89 are opposed by radial surfaces t3 of the pitch'holes 01 in the links t3, their arrangement and functions are identical to those previously described in connection with the radial surfaces 49 of the liners 33 illustratori in Figs, i to 5, inclusive.

Since only one liner te is utilized in a joint of the chain di, no articulation control surfaces are required in the pitch holes SES. The wedging surfaces lili and til of the single liner cooperate with the articulation control surfaces 3| and 02 of the pitch holes 6l to limit articulation between adjacentpitches in a manner identical to that described for the modification of the invention illustrated in Figs. 1 to 5, inclusive.

Figs. 18 to 22, inclusive, illustrate a further modification of th,J invention in which the silent type drive chain il is formed of alternate pitches G and H, each one of which is made up of a suitable number of identical drive links 92. The manner in which the drive links 92 are shaped and arranged is similar to that of the chain El illustrated in Figs. 13 to 17, inclusive, with the pitches G and .H of the chain 9| corresponding to the pitches E F, respectively, of the chain 6|. The pitch holes 93 the links 92 are identical to the pitch holes 06 in the links 52 of the chain 0| and the pitch holes 94 at the leading ends of the links 92 are identical to the pitch holes 6l in the links 63 of the chain iii. In other words, the form and arrangement of the joint parts of each joint of the chain 9| are identical to those of the joint parts at the trailing end of each pitch E of the chain 9|. The same reference characters have been applied to the parts of the chain 9| which correspond to those of the chain E Figs. 23 to 27, inclusive, illustrate a length of silent drive chain 95 embodying a still further modification of the invention. The drive chain 95 includes alternate pitches J and K, each one of which is made up of a suitable number of drive links Se that are of arched form to provide a back part dl and two spaced standing parts 98 shaped to provide drive teeth. The standing parts 93 of adjacent pitches J and K are arranged in overlapped relationship with the links of each pitch alternating with the links of adjacent pitch transversely of the chain.

Formed in the two standing or tooth shaped parts 9d of each link 96 are pitch holes 99 which are transversely alined in the adjacent pitches of links to receive a pair of joint liners and a pin |02 which connect the adjacent pitches J and K for articulating movement when the chain passes around a sprocket |93 having teeth |04 for engaging the standing parts Qt of the links.

Referring now to Figs. 26 and 2'? for a detail description of the pitch holes 99, liners i0! and pin |02, and the manner in which they cooperate to form a joint between one pair of adjacent pitches J and K, Fig. 26 illustrates the adjacent pitches arranged in a straight-line position while Fig, 27 illustrates said pitches articulated.

Each of the pitch holes 99 is formed to provide a bearing surface on the side of the pitch hole adjacent the nearest end of its link St. The

middle portion of the bearing surfaceI |05 is normal to the line of centers of its link to provide a load carrying land lilii. The depth of this land Hit is substantially equal to the depth of the pin |02. Spaced circumferentially of the upper end of the load carrying land |535, the bearing surface |05 is provided with a flat wedging portion |01 which lies at an obtuse' angle with the at the trailing ends of .of the pin. Arcuate surfaces Hl' and H8 land l. An arcuate wedging portion |08 of the bearing surface |05 extends circumferentially from the lower end of the land liii. The wedging surface |08 is continued at a uniform radius to provide a control surface lila which terminates on the side of the pitch hole 99 opposite to the bearing surface |05. One end of the upper wedging surface lill is connected to the adjacent end of the land |06 by an arcuate surface |09 and the other end of the Wedging surface is extended to form an articulation control surface lilla.

On the side of the pitch hole 99 opposite to the bearing surface lill, an arcuate surface H0 is formed at a radius slightly greater than the radius of the arcuate surface |09 and extends from the end of the articulation control surface ldlc downwardly to a point at substantially the same distance above the line of centers of its link as the upper end of the land |08. Adjacent ends of the arcuate and control surfaces lili and letzt, respectively, are connected by a plane surface l l The bearing surfaces H35 of the alined pitch holes Q9 in the links 96 of adjacent pitches J and K lie on opposite sides of the pin |02 which is positioned in the said pitch holes. The sides H2 of the pin lili which oppose the load carrying lands lil are flattened and are normal to the lines of centers of the links 96 through which the pin extends when the connected pitches are in a straight-line position.

The top surface H3 of the pin |02 is rounded at a radius which may be equal to one-half the distance between the flattened sides H2 of the pin, and the bottom surface H4 of the pin is rounded at a radius which may be greater than that of the top surface. The attened sides H2 and the rounded tcp surface H3 of the pin act as load bearing surfaces and the rounded bottom surface l 3 functions as a control surface as later will be described.

The two liners I9! are positioned in and extend entirely through the alined pitch holes 99 on opposite sides of the pin |02 or between the pin and the bearing surfaces |05 of the links 96 of the pitches J and K. The inner surface l5 of each liner it! is formed with a centrally located land H6 for engagement with one flattened side H2 adjacent the upper and lower ends, respectively, of the land I6 are each formed at a radius equal to that of the adjacent top and bottom surfaces H3 and IM, respectively, of the pin |02. When the pitches J and K are in their straight-line position, therefore, the inner surfaces H5 of' the liners It! are in full engagement with the pin |02 as illustrated in Fig. 26. The outer surfaces of the liner I0! are formed with centrally located load carrying lands i9 for engagement with the load carrying lands lil of the pitch holes 99. A flat wedging surface |2| is spaced circumferentially of the upper end of the land H9 of each liner I 0| and is arranged at the same obtuse angle with the land l 9 as the angle between the pitch hole wedging surface lill and its associated land |05. An arcuate wedging surface |23 extends circum-ferentially from the lower end of the land I9 at a radius eolual to that of the arcuate wedging surface l08 of each pitch hole 99.

The distance between the wedging surfaces |2| and |23 of the liners |0| is, however, slightly greater than the distance between the Wedging surfaces E07 and i 08 of the pitch holes 99.` Initial `contact between the wedg'ing surfaces |01 and |2| and between the wedging surfaces |08 and |23 will, therefore, prevent engagement between: the load carrying lands |06 andv ||9. When the chain is placed' under a substantiall load, however, the load carrying lands |06 and l' |9l will be moved into engagement and the relative movee ment between the wedging surfaces of the liners |9| and the pitch holes |95 will wedge each of the liners into a fixed position relative tothe links 96 of its associated pitch.

The ends of the inner arcuate surfaces H1v and HS of each liner lill are joined to the ends of the wedging surfaces |2| and |23' by radial surfaces |24 and the circumferential dimensions of the liners are such that when the liners are positioned on opposite sides of the pin |02, the radial surfaces |24 of each liner are spaced from the opposed radial surfaces of the other liner. This spacing between opposed radial surfaces |24 permits movement of the liners l'l' in opposite circumferential directions relative to the pin 02 for a distance sufficient to permit the necessary articulation between adjacent pitches J and. K of the chain. it will be noted, however, that engagement of the land l |6 on the inner surface |5 of the liner with the flattened sidev l2 of the pin |02 will prevent circumferential movement of the liner in one direction relative to the pin so that there can be no back-bending or joint action between the adjacent pitches J and K of the chain.

When the chain is under a load in a straightline position, as illustrated in Fig. 26, the fiattened sides ||2 of the pin support substantially the entire chain load by engagement with the lands H6 of the inner surfaces`- H5 of the liners. When the adjacent pitches J and K articulate in passing over the sprocket |03, however, the liners |01 are moved relative to the pin |02, as illustrated in Fig. 27. This relative movement is in a circumferential direction and is controlled or directed by contact between the rounded bottom surface l I4 of the pin and the arcuate inner surfaces H8 of the liners. The arcuate inner surfaces ||1 of the liners will, therefore, rno've circumferentially along the rounded top surface ||3 of the pin while in frictional engagement therewith and the lands l 6 of the inner surfaces H5 of the liners will move angularly away from the flattened sides ||2 of the pin. When the chain is articulated, therefore, the engagement between the arcuate surfaces ||3 'and ||1 of the pin |02 and liners |0|, respectively, supports substantially the entire chain load.

It will be noted that since there is no frictional engagement between thel surfaces H6 and ||2 of the liners IDI and pin |02, respectively, when they are moved relative to each other, wearing' of these surfaces is reduced to an absolute minimum so there can be substantially no elongation of the chain due to wearing of the joint parts.

Articulation of the chain in the direction illustrated in Fig. 2'? is limited by movement of the wedging surfaces |2`| of theliners |9| into engagernent with the articulation control surfaces 107e in the pitch holes 99 of the links 96.

It is to be understood that the forms of this invention herewith shown and described are to be taken as preferred examples of the same, and that various changes in the shape, size, and arrangement of parts may be resorted to without departing from the spirit of the invention or the scope of the subjoined claims.

I claim:

1. In a drive chain of the silent type, a pair of pitch hole' bearing surfaces, said line` and pitch hole bearing surfaces having cooperating medially located load carryingv lands normal to the line of centers of said one pitch and also having cooperating wedging portions circumferentially spaced from the opposite ends of said lands for preventing relative movement between the liner and the links of said one pitch, and the pitch holes of the links of the adjacent pitch being shaped to provide clearance for said linerv to permit articulation at the joint and each having a, surface movable into engagement with a wedging portion of the liner bearing surface to limit the extent of articulation at said joint.

2. In a drive chain of the silent type, a pair of pitches of links having their adjacent end portions overlapped and transversely alined pitch holes through said overlapped end portions,A the pitch holes ofy the links of one pitch each having a bearing surface at its side nearest the adjacent end of its link, and articulating' joint parts connecting said overlapped end portions ccmprising a pin extending through said alined pitch holes, and a liner interposed between the pin and the aforesaid bearing surfaces having a bearing surface on its periphery engaging the said pitch hole bearing surfaces, said liner and pitch hole bearing surfaces having cooperating medially located load carrying lands normal to the line of centers of said one pitch, said lands each having a depth substantially equal to the pin diameter that is parallel to said lands, said liner and pitch hole bearing silrfaces also having cooperating wedging portions circumferentially spaced from the opposite ends of said lands for preventing relative movement between the liner and the links of said one pitch, and the pitch holes of the links of the adjacent pitch being shaped to provide clearance for said liner to permit articulation at the joint.

3. In a drive chain of the silent type, an articulation joint for the links of adjacent pitches which have their end portions overlapped and formed with transversely alined pitch holes, comprising a pin extending through the alined pitch holes, a liner in the pitch holes bearing longitudinally along one side of the pin, the periphery of the liner and one side of all of the pitch holes in the links of one adjacent pitch having coniplemental engaging bearing surfaces formed with medially located load carrying lands and with wedging surface portions circumferentially spaced from the opposite ends of said lands to fix the liner against angular movement relative to the links of said one pitch during joint articulation, andthe corresponding sides of all of the pitch holes in the links of the second adjacent pitch each being shaped to allow relative angular movement between the liner and the links of said second adjacent pitch during joint articulation and having a surface movable into engagement with a wedging portion of the liner bearing surface to limit the extent of articulation at said joint. j

4. In a drive chain of the silent type, an articulation joint for the links of adjacent pitches which have their end portions overlapped and formed with transversely alined pitch holes, com prising a pin extending through the alined pitch holes, liners in the pitch holes bearing longitudinally along opposite sides' of the pin, the periphery of each one or the liners and the opposed sides oi all of the pitch holes in the `links of one of the adjacent pitches having comple mental engaging bearing surfaces formed with medially located. load carrying lands and with wedging surface portions circumferentially spaced from the opposite ends of said lands to x the liner against angular movement relative to the links of its one pitch during joint artculation, and the remaining sides of all of the pitch holes in the links of both of the adjacent pitches each being shaped to allow relative angu lar movement between the liners and the links of said adjacent pitches during joint articulation and the pitch holes in the links of one pitch each having a surface movable into engagement with a wedging portion of the bearing surface oi' the liner associated with the other pitch to `limit the extent of articulation at said joint.

5. In a drive chain of the silent type, a pair of pitches of links having their adjacent end portions overlapped and transversely alined pitch holes through said overlapped end portions, each of said pitch holes having a bearing surface at its side nearest the adjacent end of its link, and articulating joint parts connecting said overlapped end portions comprising a pin extending through said alined pitch holes, and a liner interposed between the pin and the-pitch hole hear ing surfaces of the links of each one ofvsaid pitches having a bearing surface on its periph ery engaging the said pitch hole bearing surfaces of the links of its associated pitch, said cooperating liner and pitch hole bearing surfaces having medially located load carrying lands normal to the line of centers of their pitch, said lands each having a depth substantially equal to the pin diameter that is parallel to said lands, said liner and pitch hole bearing surfaces also having cooperating wedging portions circumferentially spaced from the opposite ends of said lands for preventing relative movement between the liner and its associated links, and the pitch holes of the links of each pitch being shaped to provide clearance for the liner associated with the links of the other pitch to permit articulation at the joint.

6. In a drive chain of the silent type, a pair of pitches of links having 'their adjacent end portions overlapped and transversely alined pitch poles through said overlapped end portions,the pitch holes of the links of one pitch each having a bearing surface at its side nearest the adjacent end of its link, and articulating joint parts connecting said overlapped end portions comprising a pin extending through said alined pitch holes, and a liner interposed between the pin and the aforesaid bearing surfaces having a bearing sur face on its periphery engaging the said pit-ch hole bearing surfaces, said liner and pitch hole bearing surfaces having cooperating, inedially located load carrying lands normal to the line of centers of said one pitch and cooperating wedging portions circumferentially spaced from the opposite ends of said lands for preventing relativeV movement between the liner and the links 14 pitch, and the pitch holes of the adjacent pitch having an arcuate contact surface for engaging the side of the pin opposite said liner and being shaped to provide clearance for the liner to permit articulation at the joint.

7. In a drive chain of the silent type, an articulation joint for the links of adjacent pitches which have their end portions overlapped and formed with transversely alined pitch holes, comprising a pin extending through the alined pitch holes, a liner in the pitch holes bearing longitudinally7 along one side of the pin, the periphery of the liner and one side of all of the pitch holes in the links of one adjacent pitch having complemental engaging bearing surfaces formed With medially located load carrying lands and with wedging surface portions circumferentially spaced from the opposite ends of said lands to iix the liner against angular movement relative to the links of said one pitch during joint articulation, and the corresponding sides of all of the pitch holes in the links of the second adjacent pitch each being formed with a circumferentially extending arcuate surface to allow relative angular movement between the liner and the links of said second adjacent pitch during joint articulation and with articulation control surface portions at the opposite ends of said arcuate surface cooperating with the liner wedging surface portions for controlling the extent of joint articulation.

8. In a drive chain of the silent type, an articu lation joint for the links or" adjacent pitches which have their end portions overlapped and formed with transversely alined pitch holes, comprising a pin extending through the alined pitch holes, liners in the pitch holes bearing longitudinally along opposite sides oi the pin, the periphery of each one of the liners and the opposed sides of all of the pitch holes in the links of one of the adjacent pitches having complemental engaging bearing surfaces formed with medially located load carrying lands and with wedging surface portions circumferentially spaced from the opposite ends of said lands to iix the liner against angular movement relative to the links of its one pitch during joint articulation, and the remaining sides of all of the pitch holes in the links of both of the adjacent pitches each being `formed with a circumierentially extending arcuate surface to allow relative angular movement between the liners and the links of said adjacent pitches during joint articulation and with articulation control surface portions at the opposite ends of said arcuate surface cooperating with the wedging surface portions of the liners the extent of joint articulation.

9. In a drive chain of the silent type, a pair of pitches of links having their adjacent end of said one links of the Yportions overlapped and transversely alined` pitch holes through pitch holes of said overlapped end portions, the the links of one pitch each having a bearing surface at its side nearest the adjacent end of its link, and articulating joint parts connecting said overlapped end portions comprising a pin extending through said alined pitch holes, and a liner interposed between the pin and the aforesaid bearing surfaces having a bearing surface on its periphery for engaging the said pitch hole hearing surfaces, said bearing surfaces having cooperating medially located load carrying lands normal to the line of centers of said one pitch and cooperating wedg` ing portions circumferentially spaced from the opposite ends of said landsfor-preventing ,rela-` for controlling liner and pitch hole i tive movement between the *liner and the links of said one pitch, and the pitch holes of the links of the adjacent pitch each having a surface portionopposing one wedglng portion of the peripheral surface of said liner for engagement therewith to limit joint articulation in one direction and being shaped to provide clearance for said liner to permit joint articulation in the other direction.

10. In a drive chain of the silent type, a pair of pitches of links having their adjacent end portions overlapped and transversely alined pitch holes through said overlapped end portions, the pitch holes of the links of one pitch each having a bearing surface at its side nearest the adjacent end of its link, and articulating joint parts connecting said overlapped end portions comprising a pin extending through said alined pitch holes, and a liner interposed between the pin and the aforesaid bearing surfaces having a bearing surface on its periphery for engaging the said pitch hole bearing surfaces, said liner and pitch hole bearing surfaces having cooperating medially located load carrying lands normal to the line of centers of said one pitch and cooperating flat wedging portions circumferentially spaced from the opposite ends of and at an obtuse angle with said lands for preventing relative movement between the liner and the links of said one pitch, and the pitch holes of the links of the adjacent pitch each having a fiat surface portion opposing one of the flat wedging portions of said liner for engagement therewith to limit joint articulation in one direction and being shaped to provide clearance for said liner to permit joint articulation in the other direction.

11. In a drive chain of the silent type, a pair of pitches of links having their adjacent end portions overlapped and transversely alined pitch holes through said overlapped end portions, each of said pitch holes having a bearing surface at its side nearest the adjacent end of its link, and articulating joint parts connecting said overlapped end portions comprising a pin extending through said alined pitch holes, and a liner interposed between the pin and the pitch hole bearing surfaces of the links of each one of said pitches having a bearing surface on its periphery for engaging the said pitch hole bearing surfaces of the links of its associated pitch, said cooperating liner and pitch hole bearing surfaces having medially located load carrying vlands normal to the line of centers of their pitch and cooperating at wedging portions circumferentially spaced from and at an obtuse angle with said load bearing lands for preventing relative movement between the liner and the links of its associated pitch, and the pitch holes of the links of each pitch having fiat surface portions engageable with one of the flat wedging portions of the linerV associated with the other pitch to limit joint articulation in one direction, said pitch holes each being shaped to provide clearance for said liners to permit joint articulation in the other direction.

12. In a drive chain of the silent type, a pair of pitches of links having their adjacent end portions overlapped and transversely alined pitch holes through said overlapped end portions, each of said pitch holes having a bearing surface at its side nearest the articulating joint parts connecting said overlapped end portions comprising a pin extending through said alined pitch holes, and a liner interposed between the pin and the pitch hole bearing adjacent end of its link, and

having a bearing surface on its periphery for en'- gaging the said pitch hole bearing surfaces of the links of its associated pitch, said cooperating liner and pitch hole bearing surfaces having medially located load carrying lands normal to the line of centers of their pitch, said lands each having a depth substantially equal to the diameter of said pin, said liners and pitch hole bearing surfaces also having cooperating flat wedg ing portions circumferentially spaced from the opposite ends of and at an obtuse angle with said load bearing lands for preventing relative movement between each liner and the links of its associated pitch, and the pitch holes of the links of each pitch having flat surface portions engageable with one of the flat Wedging portions of the liner associated with the other pitch to limit joint articulation in one direction, said pitch holes each being shaped to provide clearance for said liners to permit joint articulation in the other direction.

13. In a drive chain of the silent type, a pair of pitches of links having their adjacent end portions overlapped and transversely alined pitch holes through said overlapped end portions, each of said pitch holes having a bearing surface at its side nearest the adjacent end of its link, and articulating joint parts connecting said overlapped end portions comprising a pin extending through said alined pitch holes, and a liner interposed between the pin and the pitch hole bearing surfaces of the links of each one of said pitches having a bearing surface on its periphery for engaging the said pitch hole bearing surfaces of the links of its associated pitch, said cooperating liner and pitch hole bearing surfaces having medially located load carrying lands normal to the line of centers of their pitch and cooperating flat wedging portions circumferentially spaced from the opposite ends of and at an obtuse angle with said load bearing lands for preventing relative movement between each liner and the links of its associated pitch, and the pitch holes of the links of each pitch being shaped to provide clearance for the liner associated with the other pitch to permit articulation at the joint in both directions.

14. In a drive chain of the silent type, a pair of pitches of links having their adjacent endv portions overlapped and transversely alined pitch holes through said overlapped end portions, each of said pitch holes being symmetrical with the line of centers of its link and having a bearing surface at its side nearest the adjacent end of its link, and articulating joint parts connecting said overlapped end portions comprising a pin extending through said alined pitch holes, and a liner interposed between the pin and the pitch hole bearing surfaces of the links of each one of said pitches having a bearing surface on its periphery for engaging the said pitch hole bearing surfaces of the links of its associated pitch, said cooperating liner and pitch hole bearing surfaces having medially located load carrying lands normal to the line of centers of their pitch and flat wedging portions circumferentially spaced from the opposite ends of and at an obtuse angle with said load bearing lands for preventing relative move ment between each liner and its associated pitch, and the pitch holes of the links of each pitch having oppositely arranged articulation control surfaces adapted to engage the wedging portions of the liner associated with the other pitch to limit articulation at the joint.

15. In a drive chain of the silent type, a plusurfaces of the linksl of each one of said pitches 1l rality of pitches of links having their adjacent aceasve end portions overlapped and transversely alined pitch holes through said overlapped end portions, the pitch holes of the links of alternate pitches only each having an angular liner engaging bearing surface at its side nearest the adjacent end of its link and the pitch holes of the links of the remaining pitches each having an arcuate bearing surface and being shaped to provide liner clearance to permit chain articulation, and articulating joint parts connecting the overlapped end portions of each pair of adjacent pitches comprising a pin extending through said alined pitch holes in engagement with said arcuate bearing surfaces, and a liner interposed between the pin and the angular bearing surfaces of the said alternate pitch of the connected pair, said liner having a bearing surface on its periphery for engaging the said angular bearing surfaces, said cooperating liner and angular bearing surfaces having medially located load carrying lands normal to the line of centers of their pitch and cooperating wedging portions circumferentially spaced from the opposite ends of said lands for preventing relative movement between the liner and the said alternate pitch.

16. In a drive chain of the silent type, a plurality of pitches of links having their adjacent end portions overlapped and transversely alined pitch holes through said overlapped end portions, the pitch holes of the links of alternate pitches each having an angular liner engaging bearing surface at its side nearest the adjacent end of its link and the pitch holes f the links of the remaining pitches being shaped to provide liner clearance to permit chain articulation, and articulating joint parts connecting the overlapped end portions of each pair of adjacent pitches comprising a pin extending through said alined pitch holes, and a liner interposed between the pin and the angular bearing surfaces of the said alternate pitch of the connected pair, said liner having a bearing surface on its periphery for engaging the said angular bearing surfaces, said cooperating liner and angular bearing surfaces having medially located load carrying lands normal to the line of centers of their pitch, said lands each having a depth substantially equal to the diameter of said pin, said liner and angular bearing surfaces also having cooperating Wedging portions circumferentially spaced from the opposite ends of said lands for preventing relative movement between the liner and the said alternate pitch.

17. In a drive chain of the silent type, a pair of pitches of links having their adjacent end portions overlapped and transversely alined pitch holes through all of said overlapped end portions, the pitch holes through the said end portions of the links of one of said pitches each having an arcuate bearing surface at its side nearest the adjacent end of its link and the pitch holes through the said end portions of the links of pitches each having an angular bearing surface at its side nearest the adjacent end of its link, and articulating joint parts con necting said overlapped end portions comprising a pin extending through said alined pitch holes with a surface portion of said pin engaging the said arcuate bearing surfaces, and a liner interposed between the pin and the angular bearing surfaces having a bearing surface on its periphery engaging the said angular bearing surfaces, the liner bearing surface and angular pitch hole bearing surfaces having cooperating medially located load carrying lands and angular cooperating wedging portions circumferentially spaced from the opposite ends of said iands for preventing relative movement between the liner and the pitch of links having said angular pitch hole bearing surfaces, the pitch holes in the overlapped end portions of both pitches also being shaped to provide clearance for the liner and the pin to permit articulation at the joint.

18. In a drive chain of the silent type, a pair of pitches of links having their adjacent end por-- tions overlapped and transversely alined pitch holes through said overlapped end portions, each of said pitch holes having a bearing surface at its side nearest the adjacent end of its link, and articulating joint parts connecting said overlapped end portions comprising a pin, having a flat surface portion on each side and a rounded top surface, extending through said alined pitch holes, and a liner interposed between each Aside the other of said ripheral bearing surface for engaging the opposed pitch hole bearing surfaces of the links of its associated pitch and an interior surface for engaging the flat side surface and the adjacent portion of the rounded top surface of said pin when the pitches are in a straight-line position, the peripheral bearing surface of each liner and the opposed pitch hole bearing surfaces having cooperating medially located load carrying lands and cooperating wedging portions circumferentially spaced from the opposite ends of said lands for preventing relative movement between the liner and its associated pitch, and the pitch holes of the links of each pitch being shaped to provide clearance for the liner associated with the other pitch to permit chain articulation at the joint. HAROLD S. PIERCE.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Name Morse Oakes 1 FOREIGN PATENTS Number Date Jan. 31, 1922 June 13, 1922 Number 

